Customer Reviews

Samui Builds on Golfing Reputation

Thailand is rapidly becoming one of Asia’s top destinations for golfing enthusiasts, and the Kingdom is also now hosting increasing numbers of high-level tournaments.

Earlier this month, the tropical island of Koh Samui hosted its sixth Queen’s Cup tournament, sponsored by Bangkok Airways, which saw golfers battle it out for a grand prize of THB9.7 million (US$300,000) at the Santiburi Samui Country Club.

The tournament winner was popular Thai veteran, Thaworn Wiratchant, who fought back from five shots behind to claim his record breaking 17th Asian Tour victory. His win on Koh Samui;s famously challenging course also earned him the Queen’s Cup for the second time.

Other Thai golfers taking part in the event included Chawalit Plaphol, who won the cup in 2011 and Chinnarat Phadungsil who triumphed in 2009. Arnond Vongvanij and Prom Meesawat also showed off their impressive skills as they took on the undulating hills and sloping valleys that characterize the Koh Samui's only championship golf course

“Since the joining the Asian Tour Schedule in 2009, the Queen’s Cup has produced worthy champions such as Thaworn Wiratchant, Prayad Marksaeng, Chawalit Plaphol, Chinnarat Phadungsil and Tetsuji Hiratsuka and we look forward to herald another great champion next week,” said Kyi Hla Han, Asian Tour Chairman.

Stunning ocean vistas and jungle scenery form the backdrop to Koh Samui’s golf courses, meaning a holiday spent on the greens is always memorable. In addition to the Santiburi Country Club, the island also boasts The Royal Samui Golf & Country Club and Bophut Hills Golf Club, both ideal destinations for visitors that want to test their skills in spectacular surroundings.

Koh Samui is also home to plenty of attractions for travellers in need of a break from swinging the iron. Muscle tension can be eased with a relaxing post- round massage treatment at one of the island’s world class spas. This can be followed up with a gourmet meal at one of the island’s many fine-dining restaurants, making the island one of the region's top choices for all-round pleasure and leisure.